Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply but I am not satisfied that we are helping farmers with their current plight. I am asking him to ensure that the anti-dumping levy is withdrawn. That would account for at least €40 or €50 per tonne. I am asking the Government to subsidise the cost of the fertiliser. If we look far enough ahead, we will see that the current situation will increase the cost of food as well. If the cost to the farmer of what he or she produces increases, who will pay for it only the consumer? The Dáil has heard all day from other parties and Members that the cost of living, including the cost of diesel and everything else, has increased. The cost of food will go mad if the Government does not do something about it.

The current situation will also create a fodder crisis at the end of the year. Farmers cannot afford it. I will give an example of a man whose bill was €7,000 last year. It will be €17,000 this year. That is savage for a small farmer trying to survive. If farmers cannot grow grass, they will not produce grass, milk or grain, so it-----

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